It would have been good to know these early thoughts of Vendrussel, to know her familiar ways of simply fighting to end your feuds. When you had a problem, simply solve it with tooth and claw. But even still if this were a way which her bloodline followed,
Vendrussel had not followed this. Though many a time Northfall had marched on
their Brim and the few times those of Northfall were able to hunt one of the Ford down, Dragonford wolves had stayed in hiding. She thought so that she was one born into fighting and yet instead of ending this swiftly, she spoke out to the other packs in the realm, whispering the horrors of Northfall and
poor little islanders.
A sharp eye turns to the younger wolf then, an apology finally given to the parent. Ragnar's expression is flat, cold, unphased. The apology had only come an entire year too late.
Vendrussel then began her story, starting back to the beginning of her settlement on thr islands, it was a contradictory to Ragnar's own side. A sudden and easy flag certain to be noticed by others gathered here. In Ragnar's tale, he had been told by a messenger, a
friend of Vendrussel, that she planned to settle here. This would have been either been before or as Vendrussel was settling on the island. So saying that months after they 'officially claimed' the islands (whatever that meant!?) Vendrussel did not know of the family in the mountains next door was a flat out lie, something to which visibly so, Ragnar quirked a scarred brow to, his head tilting along there with it. Another lie? Even right here at her very trial?
When she mentions the fight with the boars, Ragnar's teeth flashed in a silent snarl, icy eyes pale and hot. She even said it herself, that they didn't know Northfall was there when they came to aid and yet somehow in the beginning twisted her words to make it sound as though they had come to be some sort of saviors to the land. And even so, to throw a death of a fallen comrade in it, as though a subtle 'here look, one of ours died for your buddies so we square now?' was to be taken seriously as equality. This tied back directly into Ragnar stating that Dragonford was continuing to reach out to Northfall's allies, in order to wedge between them- to show all of Northfall's alliances that they were the poor victims here, being bullied by that of Northfall. If they thought they were being
bullied before, allow all of Northfall to truly rain upon them now and show them what
true wraith feels like!
She spoke of youth. She spoke of first leadership. Of not knowing. That her decision was made in haste.
A mistake. So their daughter's death should be forgiven and go without consequence because Vendrussel admits she was young and stupid? Nice one.
The first to come forth to question is the High Priestess, Valeska, whom Ragnar looks to now. A leader of an allied pack to Northfall, but still placed themselves distant enough to question Northfall's intentions for retribution instead of aiding them as an ally should. It hurt, both by they and Olive's pack and one lesson which all of Northfall would remember well.
Ragnar would not disregard or hide the flaws of himself, nor those he held dear.
“She was everything you presume and more- aggressive, hot-headed, bold, proud, ruthless.” He had spoken the truth of this before to Valeska but only assumed she asked again for everyone else to know- Ynness was not at all a kind wolf.
“I cannot speak for Ynness given the fact that I was not there when her murder occurred. Had I been, I assure you that none of us would be here today.” A small, playful smirk shown, despite the tension, though it were all very true.
“Northfall had not and never has claimed Behemoth's Brim as a part of its territory. The idea that Vendrussel suggests so is something, I, honestly, can't wrap my head around. For Ynness to walk these lands, I'm sure it was do to the fact that they were supposed to be free lands and that my daughter, just as all of you have, were free to walk them. As Vendrussel states, she found Ynness there and asked her to leave. Ynness refused, and why should she not if the Ford had kept to their agreed word of claiming the islands, not the islands and the Brim?” Ynness had been murdered on lands that were not even claimed by Dragonford Isles, or at least, so thry had said. Northfall had never claimed Behemoth's Brim. Had never attacked anyone on the Alpine Moors. It was they which had wanted more then originally was told to Northfall and their greed which ended a life. As far as sharing and allies, well, there had been little room for such a discussion, granted Vendrussel's hasty decision which she had already admitted to the court.
Then, the great bear spoke, adding to Valeska's questioning. Ragnar had already spoken such in his story but many words had since been said and so he clarified.
“Vendrussel's messenger had informed that the islands were intended to be claimed, though nothing more.” Hence,
Ynness obvious confusion, something which Ragnar could not back up and yet Vendrussel of course would not mention herself.
Now, it is the roan woman who speaks and Ragnar looks to the woman's sharp features. A woman of Norse views, such as his own, even if she did not travel the coastal forges as viking. Many, even what was to be Ragnar's allies, though Northfall to be arrogant and bold but also blood hungry,
ruthless. It was funny how one favored Northfall's willingness to fight and die when it meant their own advantage, but when it was for Northfall's cause? Well, it was left to wonder if Ira would think the same.
“After.” He answered,
“And many times ever since.” Vendrussel's own and various others of her ranks. An obvious slap to the face, quick frankly. Though the Moors were a beautiful and plentiful lands, hence why Northfall enjoyed to hunt rabbits here or grazing elk which had left the haven of the forests. Many loners and other packs too used this as a sort of gateway between the regions. Then, he looks out to those within the treeline, watching, waiting should something go wrong, whilst Northfall lay in wait back near home.
“I don't see them but her name is Kei. I have not smelt her on the Brim or the Moors recently, either.” He added, turning his attention from the Ford lot and then back to Ira.
“Two of the Ford's members have since left and come to the doorstep of Northfall, after hearing what had happened, though she has not been one of them.” Where she went, he did not know.
“A group of boars began invading many packlands and stealing from caches. They even had decided to round up and kidnap our wolves. A pregnant woman of ours, Valeska herself and, a deer.” All of it sounded completely bs to hear, but that shit really did happen!
“It took some time to find their hideout but when we had, Elysium, Duskguard and Northfall banded together to destroy them. Dragonford, as Vendrussel has told, decided to help in the effort as well. One of their own parished and Serenity had given birth while captured yet only one made it out alive.” A horror which none would ever forget. Vendrussel's 'life for a life' comment meant little. They had not been there for Northfall, even stating they didn't even know they were there.
Now, Ira asks the real question, one which Ragnar had difficulty answering and it shown in his features and he gave a heavy breath. What would do? What would give Ynness vengeance and what would slate Sindri's revenge?
“This is hard to say...For I am but one of two parents at a loss, though she and I have spoken of such things and possibilities.”
What has happened is on Vendrussel's shoulders and shoulders alone. If she truly lamented for what she had done, as opposed to being like "oh im sorry but not really because they started it", then she should step forth and take any punishment there sought fit. But she wouldn't and as any pack should, they would fight and die to protect their leader.
“We have stated our true wants before, to our allies, when questioned of our intentions as we have to you all now. We are no fools to expect all of the Ford to step back and allow us to take their leader unwillingly. But we say that if this is truly a land of rebirth, let her make that sacrifice of herself. Save her people. Save the lives of many others by avoiding war and right this imbalance, and fear not for she may live again and if not, may she rest with her gods as Ynness does now.” A frown. Yes, Ynness was either in Freya's fields awaiting the return of the Goddess which sat before them now or she fought in the great hall of Valhalla. He hoped she had found peace but this did not mean her earthly life would not be avenged.
“But this is not to be.” Obviously so and as stated, Vendrussel had done nothing as of yet to try and right such wrongs, making the drive for punishment that much stronger. And everyone else too, seemed fitting to dismiss Northfall's true desires, so a need to try and ponder different options.
“If Vendrussel's life not be taken in turn for Ynness own, then she should suffer as our family has suffered.” But Sindri both would not kill a child simply because one of theirs had been killed. There were some within their ranks which he was certain none would have a problem doing, however.
“Sindri would see it fit to have Vendrussel know what it was like to loose a child- to take one of Vendrussel's first litter, as was our first. One child which would be loved and cared for and with a promise to know of us as theirs but leave a hole in Vendrussel's chest, as our own. This is something of uncertainty however, should Vendrussel never have children or keep them hidden from outside knowledge.” Fair as fair and no child suffering such, either. The sacrifice of a first born or giving of a daughter to wed by one of an ally, was not something uncalled for or uncommon. Though Ragnar did not want to leave their vengeance as only a 'possibility' but suggested it anyway, as to allow Sindri's thoughts be known. Sindri had also a want to tear into Vendrussel's flesh, to maim her so that she could never produce. Ragnar did not mentions this, nor yet anyway. Instead,
“Or may she be subject to walk in the same steps as Ynness had, with loss of limb and toes, so she might feel as Ynness felt and have a better understanding of the life she has taken.” He spoke it evenly and not with an ounce of guilt, despite how others might react. There would be no pity shown towards Vendrussel, not by the likes of him and if Vendrussel thought the yearling girl so capable despite her ailment, then she could live in those shoes quite well herself too, then?
“Or...” Though another heavy deep breath suggested that this might be something not strong enough to slate a want for
true pain of Vendrussel. Ragnar thought it as the
nicest though less fulfilling approach.
“That Vendrussel relinquish her title as Leader and leave the north, not to return. Dragonford may be left in peace, should they decide not to follow her to live elsewhere. Let it be known that if they still intend to allow none of Northfall to walk the Brim safely, then they not be so hypocritical themselves and not cross unto the Moors.” A pause, his eyes sweep those of the jury.
“Vendrussel will remain an enemy of Northfall always and should she return, will be attacked. Those who harbor our enemy will be treated as such as well.” As should be so, as a violation of the agreement. It would be a wonder should Vendrussel have the choice, if she would not sacrifice herself for her actions, would she choose her land or her blood?
And now, Kuhn. He ends his pacing and questions Ragnar's parenting skills. Ragnar shrugs. Until they had pups of their own (plus agressive ones, plus new neighbors taking over), they would never know.
“My children at that age are free to leave our claim so long as they do not tresspass onto another's land. When Ynness realized we had neighbors so near, she was upset, but our deal to leave the islanders alone so long as they stuck to claiming ther islands, had already been made- with or without Ynness agreement.” A huff, Ynness had not liked it and quite frankly neither did her parents but it was not her choice to make on the manner. Maybe he should have listened to her after all and she would still be alive. A thought that had hit him in the guts many a time before.
“By the time we found out the Brim was now theirs as well, Ynness was already dead.”
“She was an unruly whelp, in her teenage years and quite rebellious but she listened. She might have cared little for herself, but she cared so if it meant her family's safety.” As many whom call themself
viking. They did not fear death but would not bring death upon their family and friends so willingly. Their death was their own to choose and the path which they took towards it. As all in Northfall, one would not to into battle with fear in their hearts.
A teenage child looking to push their limits was something the two new mothers sitting our council perhaps yet to encounter, nor a disabled one that was bitter and angry with her plight.
“But was still a child. ”They didn't always listen and like said, nothing
forced Vendrussel's decision when so many others options could have been had.
“She did not die for trespassing the islands.” He stated flatly. She did not die because she was unruly. She did not die because she tresspassed. She did not die because of her agression.
“She died on the Brim, a land that none of us knew was even claimed until it was too late.” He was feeling as though he was repeating himself time and time again and it weighed on him, leaving a stiffness in his limbs.
Then, at least, Freya shifts at his side, to set eyes upon him, her question lingered.
“No.” An honestly, and then adding,
“Only once after when Vendrussel had drug Ynness' body up into our mountains.” And then, another question, a trickier one... He ponders, his lips pulling back in a tight line of frown.
“One could only hope that when one speaks, they speak truthfully.” Ragnar did not, at least not intentionally, lie.
“I could not predict that after claiming the islands, our new neighbors would then decide it would be punishable by death to tresspass the Brim as well.” He thinks, a quirk to his skull.
“At times I have thought, if I could go back with the knowledge I have now I would have said no to peace.” A peace which had been spat on.
“And drove them out before they could think to call the islands home and take more there after. ” It might have been the end of Northfall. It might have been the end of Stormborn, but at least they would have fought as a pack, as family.
“And yet, the decision to try to keep peace with our new neighbors was to not risk our children's lives. I do not know if driving them out would have saved Ynness or if it would have ended up being the death of even more or if that other path would take from what we have now...” So as much as it hurt,
“No, I wouldn't.”
the staff team luvs u